9/17/2023 0 Comments Vintage photo texture overlay![]() ![]() Still, they will need occasional cleaning to look their best. Most decorative overlays, when coated with a protective sealer, are very resistant to stains, dirt and grease. Pourable, self-leveling systems tend to cover floors faster with less finish work than trowel- or spray-applied products. Some overlays can go right over properly prepared surfaces others require application of a primer or bonding agent before overlay placement. Others require mixing the polymer additive and any pigmentation desired with the cement and other dry ingredients. ![]() Some products come preblended like a cake mix, and all you need to add is water. How easy is the product to mix and apply?Įase of use may also influence overlay selection, especially if you're the installer. Ask to see samples of various finishes and color selections as well as a portfolio of completed projects. Consult with the overlay manufacturer and your installer for advice. Determine the color, pattern and texture you want for your rejuvenated surface and then find a system that can achieve the look you desire. Of course, the main reason to use a concrete overlay is to restore and beautify existing concrete. Ask the overlay manufacturer or installer to confirm that the material you plan to use will work for your purposes. Is it a floor surface in a high-traffic area or subject to chemical, grease and oil spills? Some systems are better suited than others for harsher exposure conditions. (Read more about reducing bond failures caused by moisture vapor transmission.) What conditions will the overlay be exposed to?īe sure the overlay system is tough enough to withstand all the conditions it will confront. If it's too high, be sure to use a permeable overlay system that will permit the moisture vapor to escape. There are simple tests you can perform to check the moisture vapor emission rate of concrete. Too much moisture in the concrete substrate can also be a problem for some overlay systems, especially products that restrict the ability of the concrete to breathe or release moisture vapor as needed. ![]() Time: 02:49 CHOOSING THE BEST DECORATIVE CONCRETE OVERLAYĬonsider these factors when selecting your overlay system: What is the state of the existing floor?ĭoes the concrete have a lot of cracks or pitting? Is the surface out of level? If so, choose a higher-build material, such as an underlayment or self-leveling overlay, that can be applied at a thickness of 1/4 inch or greater. Many of today's decorative overlays use acrylics or acrylic blends because these resins provide excellent bond strength and UV resistance. Overlay manufacturers use different types of polymer resins, often blending them to produce proprietary products with distinct physical attributes. While most types of polymer-modified overlays offer similar performance benefits, each system has its own unique characteristics. They adhere well to existing concrete and resist damage from salt, chemicals, UV exposure, freeze-thaw conditions, and abrasion. Polymer-modified overlays can be applied in layers as thin as a credit card or up to several inches thick without delamination or failure. With the many options available, you're sure to find at least one system that meets your requirements for durability, appearance, maintenance, and cost.Īlthough cement overlays have been around for decades, many of today's systems blend polymer resins with cement, sand, and other additives to improve performance, wear resistance, and aesthetic qualities. We also give you pointers on how to choose the best system for a particular application. Here's a primer of the various overlay types available and the decorative options with each. There are multiple options available for achieving any look imaginable with a concrete overlay. Now, the real challenge is choosing from the many overlay types and the diverse array of decorative finishes possible. If your concrete has severe cracks or other damage, resurfacing will not solve your problems and pouring new concrete will be your best option. The underlying base for an overlay must be sound. Metallic Overlays See how you can add dazzle to your floors with a metallic coating.īefore you read any further, it's important to know that not all existing concrete floors can be resurfaced. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |